Charlie Crist Is Running For US Senate

Oh joy.

Sen. John Cornyn, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, quickly endorsed Crist as "the best candidate in 2010 to ensure that we maintain the checks and balances that Floridians deserve in the United States Senate. "

The announcement, which had been expected, is also likely to stir up Florida politics as others scramble to replace the popular governor, who was considered a shoo-in had he sought a second term.

"Our country is facing the most profound public policy questions in our lifetime, questions relating to the economy, taxes, healthcare, the environment and national security," Crist said in a statement.

Crist said he intends to take to Washington his Florida approach, that "when we put people first and work together much can be accomplished."

Noticeably missing from his list of important questions is spending. That would be a bit tough to swallow coming from a guy who not only supported the stimulus but helped Obama sell it.

He also helped deliver Florida to McCain during the primaries which ensured McCain's eventual nomination.

Thankfully, Crist isn't the only candidate running. Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio is also in the race. His website is pretty basic at this point but you can check him out here.

Rubio is clearly the more conservative of the two (though that's not really a high bar to clear against Crist).

The fact that John "I need Arlen Specter" Cornyn is putting the weight of the RNSC behind Crist this early shows one important thing...the GOP leadership still doesn't get it.

Why are they even backing someone in a primary? This isn't a case of some Big Foot guy like Crist running against only token opposition from some local crank. This is a matter for Florida voters not people in Washington.

These "leaders" in Washington may wake up one day to find they don't have any followers. More crap like this and that day will be much sooner than later.

David Frum emails to say, "A Republican who holds no conservative values and works with Obama? My God, dreams do come true!"

Slublog sends along Rubino's video response to Crist's announcement. Short version...Bring it on.

posted by DrewM. at 10:09 AM

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